Arlington voters are already casting ballots in a crowded mayoral race that includes incumbent Mayor Jim Ross and several challengers. Early voting for the May 2 election began on April 20 and continues through April 28.
Ross is seeking a third and final term and has pointed to his record on crime reduction, infrastructure, and city progress.
“As I seek a third and final term, I do so with deep gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me and a renewed commitment to keep Arlington moving forward,” Ross states on his campaign website.
Challengers Enter Arlington Race
One challenger is Steve Cavender, a business owner, military veteran, and longtime River Legacy Foundation board member.
“As a business owner, I’ve seen how innovation, hard work, and collaboration create opportunity in Arlington. As a homeowner, I value financial stability and responsible stewardship. I believe in leadership that listens, acts wisely, and puts people first,” Cavender states on his campaign website.
“Arlington deserves energetic, fiscally responsible leadership that puts residents and taxpayers first. It’s time to bring these priorities back to the Mayor’s office,” he added.
Another candidate, Hunter Crow, 31, is a recent University of Texas at Arlington graduate and graduate student at the University of North Texas. He told The Dallas Express his campaign is focused on generational change and greater youth involvement in local government.
“I have been pretty vocal for many years about the lack of youth in elected office such as the Arlington City Council and School Board. I hope to provide Arlington a different perspective,” Crow told The Dallas Express.
“I hope to also create more youth representative opportunities and get youth more involved. I have many reasons for running for Mayor,” he added.
Business owner Shaun Mallory, who operates a local snow cone shop in Arlington, also entered the race after hearing concerns from residents. According to a candidate questionnaire published by the Fort Worth Report, Mallory has lived in Arlington for 22 years and has not previously held elected office.
“I’ve had a sno cone shop here in Arlington for almost 9 years now, and I have spent that time just listening to my customers… I was completely appalled,” Mallory told The Dallas Express.
Mallory said Ross has a strong background in public service but argued that the mayor has grown disconnected from everyday residents.
“You couldn’t ask for a better civil servant… I just feel he has lost touch with the average folks,” Mallory said.
Ross Faces Scrutiny
Ross enters the race under growing scrutiny. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, public records showed the IRS garnished his wages to collect more than $174,000 in unpaid federal taxes. A separate DX report also detailed backlash after video surfaced showing Ross berating a Christian street preacher at a 2018 event in New Orleans. He has also faced scrutiny as Arlington officials work to address a reported $25 million budget shortfall for 2026.
Ross also highlighted a recent campaign meet-and-greet hosted by Asad Kothari that focused on engaging Arlington’s Muslim community. In a Facebook post about the event, Ross said it “showcased the rich diversity that makes Arlington so special.”
Several users left supportive comments praising Ross’ outreach and urging his reelection.
The event also drew criticism from some Republican figures.
“With the influence of radical Islam steadily invading North Texas, I will never lend my support to any elected official who panders to Islamists for political gain,” State Board of Education member Brandon Hall (R-District 11) told The Dallas Express.
Texas Railroad Commissioner candidate Bo French also criticized Ross.
“Islam is here to destroy our way of life and is not compatible with our Constitution,” French told The Dallas Express.
The Dallas Express reached out to Ross and Cavender for comment but did not receive a response.
